When he arrived in Miami, Chad Johnson vowed that he was going to get “back to the basics.” Was this, many speculated, a signal that he was going to change his name back again?

This week, after four years of being referred to by the “Ochocinco” moniker, he did just that.

He’s hoping, though, that it isn’t a change in name only; it’s instead, he promises, a complete return to his old mentality.

The old Chad Johnson, the guy who used eccentricity to fuel his internal fire, seems to be back.

“This season is going to be a monster year. I don’t care who’s playing quarterback. I’m going to have a great year. The first day I get to camp, everybody’s mouth can drop [the bleep] open,” Johnson told the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. “My game is at the point where it doesn’t matter who starts at quarterback. Oprah can play quarterback and we’ll be all right.”

After a much-maligned season with the Patriots, one in which he caught a career-low 15 passes, Johnson said he feels comfortable in Miami.

“One of the things I like about being here, that’s so refreshing, and is such a weight off my back, is I can be me, whatever that entails. When I can be me, I am loose. Everything just flows for me. Whether it’s the style of play, the way I learn.”

Johnson will get the chance to prove that his off-season workout regimen has paid off when Dolphins training camp opens on Friday, July 27.

Please Note:
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed by The Finsiders Blog represent those of individual writers, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions, policies or desires of the Miami Dolphins organization, front office, coaches and executives. Writers' views are formulated independently from any inside information and/or conversation with Dolphins officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.